Graduate College Distinguished Lecture to address how underrepresented students can succeed in academia

Interested in a career in academia following graduation but don't know where to start? That dilemma is common for many, especially those who are historically underserved.

This year, Salvador Hector Ochoa, provost of San Diego State University, will visit Arizona State University as the Graduate College Distinguished Lecture keynote speaker on Friday, Dec. 2, and will discuss ways that students can prepare for a job in an academic setting and how universities and educators can help underrepresented students attain a graduate degree to succeed in academia in his lecture, “Promoting Success from Undergraduate to Graduate Studies to a Career in Higher Education."

Each year, the Graduate College Distinguished Lecture series brings a leading scholar to engage the ASU community in a discussion about the advancement of graduate education as a public good. Speakers examine how to attract, nurture and inspire future generations of advanced learners who will foster opportunity and well-being in their communities.

Ochoa's research focuses on bilingual psychoeducational assessment and educational programming issues of Latino students, issues which he has offered input on at the state and national levels.

Ochoa has served as provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at San Diego State University since July 2019. Before that, he was a professor and dean of the College of Education and Human Sciences at The University of New Mexico from 2014 to 2019, and also served as the dean of the College of Education at The University of Texas-Pan American from 2007 to 2014. He earned his PhD from the School of Psychology at Texas A&M University in 1989.

Following his lecture, Ochoa will converse with special guest Lisa Magaña, provost fellow for ASU's Hispanic-serving initiatives and associate dean of diversity, equity and inclusion in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. They will examine how universities can advance graduate education to increase the number of professors from diverse backgrounds, and answer questions from the audience.

This event is in person with an option to view it live, virtually. Registration is required for both event formats. Submit your questions with your registration. Register here. 

Event Schedule:

12:30 p.m. - Event registration opens.

1:00 p.m. - Lecture and Q&A.

2:30 p.m. - Event conclusion.

In-person location: Devil’s Oasis Community Room, 660 S. College Ave., Tempe, AZ, 85281.

Virtual location: https://news.asu.edu/asulive